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Royal pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
Red-orange eyes and lengthwise dark lines belong to a pleco that needs substantial permanent space.
- Adult length
- Up to 43 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 23–29 °C
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Native to the Orinoco basin and southern tributaries of the middle and lower Amazon.
Appearance and identification
A broad head and heavy body carry longitudinal stripes. Similar royal-pleco trade forms need identification beyond eye colour and striping.
Aquarium environment
Body size, wood and waste limit delicate planting layouts.
Diet and feeding
Offer suitable wood to rasp plus plant matter and complete sinking foods; wood alone is not a balanced diet.
Same-species behaviour
Provide large housing, wood and filtration for substantial waste. Daytime shelter and nocturnal foraging should shape the layout.
Similar and related fish
